Solar powered vehicle mounted display

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing solar-generated power to a display unit mounted to a vehicle are provided. One or more mounting supports connect a housing for an electronic display to the vehicle. A solar energy harvesting device is secured to an upper portion of the vehicle and is electrically connected to the electronic display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/915,774 filed Jun. 29, 2020, which claims the benefit of USProvisional Application No. 62/892,104 filed on Aug. 27, 2019 and USProvisional Application No. 62/911,806 filed Oct. 7, 2019, thedisclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as iffully restated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to vehicle mounted displayspowered by solar panels.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Electronic displays are increasingly replacing physical billboards,bulletins, posters, flyers, banners, and other physical signage forpublic announcements, advertising, and the like. It is known to providesuch physical signage along sidewalks, along roadsides, at bus shelters,on poles, at drive throughs, on VTUs, and the like. Ruggedized displayunits have also commonly been provided for indoor, outdoor, andsemi-outdoor use. Such electronic display assemblies may protect theelectronic displays and related components from the elements. Exemplaryexamples of such electronic display assemblies may include thoseavailable from Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. ofAlpharetta, Ga. (https://mri-inc.net/). These electronic displayassemblies may be provided on sidewalks, on the ground, in windows, atbus shelters, at drive throughs, on the tops of vehicles, and the liketo replace physical signage.

Advancements in solar energy are making solar panels more compact andefficient. Electronic display assemblies require power for operation.For example, such electronic display assemblies utilize lights,electronic displays, fans and other cooling equipment, electricalcircuitry, and other electrically powered equipment which requireselectrical power for operation. For ground mounted units, such power isgenerally provided by the electrical grid. In the case of VTUs, however,such power is generally provided by the vehicle. While VTUs may providean extra source of revenue for vehicle drivers or companies, generallyby displaying advertising for others, the extra weight of a VTU mayreduce fuel efficiency, which negate some or all of the extra revenue.What is needed is a solar powered, vehicle mounted electronic display.

Systems and methods for solar powered, vehicle mounted electronicdisplays are disclosed herein. The vehicle mounted display units(“VMDU”) may be configured for outdoor use. The VMDU may comprise one ormore electronic displays within a housing. The VMDU may be mounted to avehicle such as, but not limited to, a taxi cab, a personal vehicle, acommercial vehicle, a limousine, a town car, a bus, an SUV, a ridesharevehicle, a delivery vehicle, or the like. One or more supports mayextend from or within the housing to a portion of the vehicle. Forexample, the VMDU may be mounted to a rear portion, side portion, frontportion, roof, some combination thereof, or the like, of the vehicle.Placement of the VMDU on the rear, sides, or other locations of thevehicle may improve visibility and/or aerodynamics. One or more supportsmay extend between the housing and the vehicle.

One or more solar energy harvesting devices may be mounted to thevehicle. In exemplary embodiments, such solar energy harvesting devicesare mounted to a roof portion of the vehicle, such as, but not limitedto, the roof rack. An electronic connection, such as by way of wiring,may be provided between the solar energy harvesting devices and one ormore components of the VMDU, such as, but not limited to, the electronicdisplays. Such connections may extend partially or completely within thesupports for the solar energy harvesting devices and/or the electronicdisplays.

Power generated by the solar energy harvesting devices may be used topower the VMDU, or select components thereof such as, but not limitedto, the electronic displays, when conditions are sufficiently sunny.Excess energy may be stored at one or more energy storage devices. Inexemplary embodiments, the energy storage devices may be batterieswithin the housing or the vehicle. When the power generated by the oneor more solar energy harvesting devices is insufficient to power theVMDU, or select components thereof, energy may be drawn from the one ormore energy storage devices.

For example, without limitation, when a gasoline or other like poweredvehicle is idle, the engine is often shut off. This results in shuttingdown the alternator and powering any electrical equipment, such as theelectronic display, by draining power from the vehicle battery. Ofcourse, with electrically powered vehicles, as another example withoutlimitation, powering any electrical device requiring draining chargefrom the batteries. With the present invention, the electronic displaycould be partially or wholly powered by the solar energy harvestingdevices. Excess energy may be used to charge the vehicle battery.

Often times, vehicle drivers are required to return their vehicle with afull amount of fuel (such as, but not limited to, a full tank of gas, afull battery charge, some combination thereof, or the like). The powersupplied by the solar energy harvesting devices may be sufficient tonegate some or all of the fuel efficiencies losses experienced fromaddition of the VMDU, and/or exceed the fuel efficiencies losses suchthat fuel efficiency is improved. Thus, the use of such solar energyharvesting devices may reduce the environmental impact of suchelectronic display assemblies.

Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosedherein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of thepresent disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to theaccompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of thepresent invention will be readily apparent from the followingdescriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein likereference numerals across the several views refer to identical orequivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary vehicle mounteddisplay unit (“VMDU”) with an exemplary solar energy harvesting devicewith certain internal components revealed and illustrated in simplifiedform;

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the VMDU of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, right side perspective view of the VMDU of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the VMDU of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another exemplary VMDU withanother exemplary solar energy harvesting device with certain internalcomponents revealed and illustrated in simplified form;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, right side perspective view of the VMDU of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the VMDU of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary VMDU with anotherexemplary solar energy harvesting device with certain internalcomponents revealed and illustrated in simplified form;

FIG. 9 is a top sectional view of the VMDUs of FIGS. 1-8 ;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart with exemplary logic for operating the VMDU ofFIGS. 1-9 ; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart with other exemplary logic for operating the VMDUof FIGS. 1-9 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, specific details such as detailed configuration andcomponents are merely provided to assist the overall understanding ofthese embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should beapparent to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications of the embodiments described herein can be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Inaddition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions areomitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference toillustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) ofthe invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrationsas a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances,are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 illustrate an exemplary VMDU 10. The VMDU 10 maybe employed to display information to the public along public roadways,such as, for example, advertisements, public service announcements andthe like. Further, the VMDU 10 may be fabricated in any size and shape,may be mounted to a vehicle 12 directly or indirectly, and may bemounted in any orientation (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal dimensionof the vehicle 12, angled, and/or otherwise). Further, while the VMDUs10 of FIGS. 1-7 are shown as being mounted to the roof 13 of a vehicle12, the VMDUs 10 may be mounted to other portions of the vehicle 12(e.g., hood and/or trunk) as well.

The vehicle 12 may be gasoline powered, hybrid powered (e.g., gasolineand electric), diesel powered, electric powered, fuel cell powered,hydrogen powered, human powered, some combination thereof, and/or thelike. Further, the vehicle 12 may be any type of vehicle, including forexample without limitation, a personal vehicle, a commercial vehicle, arideshare vehicle, a taxi cab, a limousine, a town car, a bus, an SUV, asedan, a delivery vehicle, a trailer, a van, a motorcycle, a scooter, atricycle, or the like.

As shown, the VMDU 10 may be indirectly mounted to a vehicle 12 by wayof a mounting system 14. The mounting system 14 may comprise one or morecrossbars 16. The crossbars 16 may be configured for securement to aroof 13 of a vehicle 12. The crossbars 16 may be fabricated in any size,shape (e.g., cross-section), and type. The crossbars 16 may beconfigured to provide a sufficient degree of strength and rigidity tosecurely support the VMDU 10.

The mounting system 14 may further comprise one or more bolts, screws,brackets, fasteners, adapters, some combination thereof, or the like formounting the VMDU 10 to the crossbars 16 (e.g., mounting the VMDUhousing 20 to the crossbars 16) and/or the crossbars 16 to the vehicle12. Alternatively, or additionally, adhesive, welding, bonding, somecombination thereof, or other joining techniques may be utilized.

One or more supports 36, which may vary in terms of size and shape(e.g., substantially rectangular), may be provided. The supports 36 mayextend vertically between the housing 20 and each of one or more solarenergy harvesting devices 24 to elevate a bottom surface of the solarenergy harvesting devices 24 from an upper surface of the VMDU 10. Doingso may facilitate access to the VMDU 10, which may be useful formaintenance and servicing efforts. In one example, the supports 36 maybe mounted to the housing 20 at a first end. The supports 36 may bemounted to lifting eyes located on the housing 20. In other exemplaryembodiments, the supports 36 may extend into or through some or all ofthe housing 20 and may be mounted to one or more internal structuralcomponents of the VMDU 10 and/or one or more components of the mountingsystem 14 (e.g., onto the crossbars 16). In exemplary embodiments, afirst support 36 may be placed on a proximal portion of the VMDU 10, anda second support 36 may be placed on a distal portion of the VMDU 10.Other quantities and arrangements of supports 36 may also be utilized.The mounting of the supports 36, and/or other components describedherein, may be performed by fasteners (such as, but not limited to,rivet nuts, bolts, screws, nails, some combination thereof, or thelike), adhesives, welding, bonding, some combination thereof, or thelike.

In some non-limiting examples, the VMDU 10 may comprise one or more sideassemblies 22. Each side assembly 22 may comprise an electronic display18. Each side assembly 22 may be configured to swing or otherwiserotate, pivot, or move outwardly to facilitate access to the componentslocated inside the side assembly 22 and/or other portions of the VMDU10, which may include signage, cooling pathways, lights, fans,electronic displays, mounting components, structural components,electrical circuitry, various electronics for operating the VMDU 10and/or the solar energy harvesting device 24, some combination thereof,or the like. Each side assembly 22 may comprise an electronic displaylayer, a transparent cover panel, a backlight, some combination thereof,or the like. The backlight may comprise direct backlighting, edgelighting, some combination thereof, or the like. In other exemplaryembodiments, a separate backlight may not be required as the electronicdisplay 18 may be an emissive type display, such as, but not limited to,organic light emitting diode type displays. The electronic display 18may be any type of electronic display such as, but not limited to,liquid crystal, organic light emitting diode, QLED, light emittingdiode, cathode ray tube, plasma, some combination thereof, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, at least 5 inches of clearance may be providedbetween an upper surface of the VMDU 10 and a lower surface of the solarenergy harvesting device 24, though any distance, or varying distances,may be utilized. This clearance may be provided to facilitate thecasting of shade on the electronic display 18, the VMDU 10, the interiorof the vehicle 12, some combination thereof, or the like, therebypreventing the VMDU from experiencing excessive solar (e.g., thermal)loading and/or to provide certain desirable aerodynamic effects.

Stiffeners 34 may be provided. The stiffeners 34 may extend horizontallyalong a lower surface of the substrate 32. The stiffeners 34 may extendfrom either side of each of the one or more supports 36. The stiffeners34 shown extend substantially across the entire width W₂ of the solarenergy harvesting device 24, but this is not required. In exemplaryembodiments, the stiffeners 34 may be sandwiched between an uppersurface of each of the one or more supports 36 and a lower surface ofthe substrate 32. The stiffeners 34 may be provided under some or all ofthe solar energy harvesting device 24 and may provide structuralstability, strength, and/or rigidity.

In exemplary embodiments, the solar energy harvesting device 24 may besubstantially rectangular in shape, though other shapes are alsocontemplated. The solar energy harvesting device 24 may have a width W₂that is greater than the width W₁ of the housing 20. Alternatively, oradditionally, the solar energy harvesting device 24 may have a length L₂that is greater than the length L₁ of the housing 20. The widthdimensions W₁, W₂ and the length dimensions L₁, L₂ may be maximum widthand length dimensions, respectively, for the solar energy harvestingdevice 24 and the housing 20, respectively. Stated another way, thesolar energy harvesting device 24 may have a larger footprint than thefootprint of the housing 20. This may provide for increased surface areafor collecting solar energy. This may, additionally or alternatively,shade some or all of the housing 20, various components thereof (suchas, but not limited to, the electronic display 18), and/or the vehicle12 when placed in outdoor environments. Such shade may result in betterimage quality, including, but not limited to, improvised colorsaturation, contrast, some combination thereof, or the like. This mayreduce the brightness levels needed to drive the electronic displays 18,thus resulting in reduced cooling needs. The shade may also decrease thesolar loading experienced by the VMDU 10, thus reducing cooling needs.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any size, shape, number,type, and orientation of the solar energy harvesting device 24 may beutilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.While L1, L2, W1, and W2 may represent maximum dimensions, one or moreof L1, L2, W1, and/or W2 may represent minimum dimensions. For example,without limitation, the minimum dimensions of the solar energyharvesting devices 24, W2 and/or L2, may be greater than the maximumdimensions of the housing 20, W1 and/or L1.

The solar energy harvesting device 24 may comprise one or morephotovoltaic cells 28. The photovoltaic cells 28 may be mounted to oneor more substrates 32. Normally, the photovoltaic cells 28 and/or thesubstrate 32 may comprise rough edges. A side edge 26 may be providedaround an outer edge of the photovoltaic cells 28 and/or the substrate32. The side edge 26 may provide a smoother surface which is safer forpedestrian interaction and is more aesthetically appealing.

One or more antenna 30 may be provided at the solar energy harvestingdevice 24. The antenna 30 may be configured to receive and/or transmitradio signals, cellular signals, GPS or other location tracking signals,Bluetooth® or other near field communication signals, some combinationthereof, or the like. The antenna(s) 30 may be mounted to the substrate32, wherein a first antenna 30 may be provided on a front portion of thesubstrate 32 and a second antenna 30 may be provided on a rear portionof the substrate 32. These antennae 30 may be centered with respect tothe side edges of the substrate 32. While any number and position ofantenna 30 may be utilized, the configuration of antenna(s) 30 shown mayminimize obstructions, thereby improving the transmission and/or receiptof signals.

One or more cameras 44 may be provided at the solar energy harvestingdevice 24. The cameras 44 may be mounted to the substrate 32. Inexemplary embodiments, a first and second camera 44 may be provided onthe left and right sides of the substrate 32, respectively, and may becentered from the front to the back (though any number and positioningof the cameras 44 may be utilized). In other exemplary embodiments, thecamera 44 may be positioned on a distal end of one or more of thestiffeners 34. Other quantities and positions of the camera(s) 44 mayalso be utilized without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. In one non-limiting embodiment, the camera(s) 44 may be inelectronic communication with the antenna 30 (though such is notrequired) so that images and/or video may be transmitted to aninterested party. In operation, this may be performed for one or more ofa variety of different purposes, such as, but not limited to,determining which advertisements and/or public service announcements maybe appropriate based on the demographics of the people nearby.Additionally, or alternatively, this data may even be used to turn offthe electronic displays 18 remotely.

The solar energy harvesting device 24 may be in electrical connectionwith various components of the VMDU 10, such as, but not limited to, theelectronic displays 18 one or more energy storage devices 38.Additionally, or alternatively, the solar energy harvesting device 24may be in electrical connection with one or more energy sources 40. Theenergy storage device 38 may comprise one or more batteries. The energysources 40 may comprise one or more batteries, alternators, somecombination thereof, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the energystorage device 38 and the energy source 40 may be one and the same,though such is not required.

A controller 42 may be interposed between one or more of: the solarenergy harvesting device 24, the VMDU 10, the energy storage device 38,and the energy source 40. The controller 42 may be configured todetermine when to draw power from the energy storage device 38 and/orthe energy source 40, and when to supply excess energy from the solarenergy harvesting device 24 to the energy storage device 38.

While certain components, such as, but not limited to, the energystorage device 38, the energy source 40, and the controller 42 areillustrated as being located outside of the VMDU 10 and the solar energyharvesting device 24, such components may be, partially or entirely,internal to the VMDU 10 and/or the solar energy harvesting device 24. Inother words, such components may be placed at any location.

The VMDU 10 may comprise one or more sensors 11 such as, but not limitedto, temperature sensors, fan speed sensors, ambient light sensors,accelerometers, some combination thereof, or the like. In this way, theamount of cooling, the brightness of the electronic displays 18, thespeed of the fans, some combination thereof, or the like may be adjustedbased on ambient temperature, vehicle 12 movement, ambient lightingconditions (including, but not limited to, the amount of shade cast),some combination thereof, or the like. Where wireless connectivity isutilized, data may be collected by these sensors 11 and may betransmitted to one or more remote parties and/or locations where thistype of data is desired.

FIG. 5 through FIG. 7 illustrate another exemplary VMDU 10. The VMDU 10may have an elongated shape, which may be better suited for particularlylong vehicles 12, such as, but not limited to, limousines, buses, RVs,trailers, and/or the like. In such embodiments, an elongated solarenergy harvesting device 24 may be provided with multiple supports 36 toensure that the solar energy harvesting device 24 (which may also beelongated) is adequately supported. In other exemplary embodiments,multiple solar energy harvesting devices 24 may be provided in asubstantially linear fashion along the VMDU 10. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate, however, that any size, number, and arrangement ofelectronic display 18 and/or solar energy harvesting devices 24 may beutilized for any size and type of vehicle 12 without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

The VMDU 10 may be substantially rectangular in shape, though VMDUs 10of other sizes and/or shapes may also be utilized. Similarly, the solarenergy harvesting devices 24 may be provided in any size, shape,orientation (e.g., flush or mounted at an angle), number, type (e.g.,opaque, transparent, or translucent panels), composition (e.g.,comprising one or more photovoltaic cells) and/or the like. Further,some or all of the solar energy harvesting devices 24 may even beconfigured to swivel, pivot, tilt, rotate, some combination thereof,and/or the like. Such movement may be accomplished manually orautomatically, such as by motor and controller configured to track thesun's movement.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary VMDU 10. The VMDU 10 may comprise adisplay unit 29 which is separate from, but electrically connected to,the solar energy harvesting device(s) 24. The display unit 29 maycomprise one or more electronic displays 18 located partially, orentirely, within a housing 20. The housing 20 may be mounted to thevehicle 12. One or more mounting supports 37 may extend from, or within,the housing 20 to a portion of the vehicle 12 and be secured thereto.For example, without limitation, the display unit 29 may be mounted to arear portion, side portion, front portion, roof, some combinationthereof, or the like, of the vehicle 12. Placement of the display unit29 may be selected to improve visibility, provide multiple displays,and/or improve aerodynamics. More than one display unit 29 may beprovided, each of which may be mounted to the same of different portionsof the vehicle 12.

In exemplary embodiments, the solar energy harvesting devices 24 maymeasure approximately 1×2 m, though any size, shape, and number of solarenergy harvesting devices 24 may be utilized. The solar energyharvesting devices 24 may be mounted to another location of the vehicle12. In exemplary embodiments, the solar energy harvesting devices 24 aremounted to a roof portion of the vehicle 12, such as, but not limitedto, by way of the crossbars 16, however other locations and types ofmounting devices may be utilized. For example, without limitation, solarenergy harvesting devices 24 may be mounted to a rear portion, sideportion, front portion, roof, some combination thereof, or the like, ofthe vehicle 12. Placement of the solar energy harvesting devices 24 maybe selected to improve sunlight exposure, provide multiple solar panels,and/or improve aerodynamics. More than one solar energy harvestingdevices 24 may be provided, each of which may be mounted to the same ofdifferent portions of the vehicle 12.

An electrical connection, such as by way of wiring, may be providedbetween the solar energy harvesting devices 24 and one or morecomponents of the display unit 29, such as, but not limited to, theelectronic displays 18. Such connections may extend partially orcompletely within the crossbars 16, other mounting devices, and/or themounting supports 37. One or more energy storage devices 38, energysources 40, and/or controllers 42 may be electrically interposed betweenthe solar energy harvesting devices 24 and the display unit 29. Inexemplary embodiments, one or more of the energy storage devices 38,energy sources 40, and/or controllers 42 may be provided at the solarenergy harvesting devices 24 and/or the display unit 29.

Any number or type of mounting devices, such as, but not limited to,crossbars 16, mounting supports 37, supports 36, members, adhesive,fasteners, welding, ties, some combination thereof, and the like may beutilized to secure the VMDU 10, including but not limited to, each ofthe display units 29 and each of the solar energy harvesting devices 24to various portions of the vehicle 12.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top sectional view of the VMDU 10, such as, but notlimited to, the display unit 29. The VMDU 10 comprise one or morecooling pathways. Such cooling pathways may comprise openings configuredto ingest and exhaust ambient air 21 into and out of one or more openloop pathways 19. In exemplary embodiments, the open loop pathways 19may pass along backlights for the electronic displays 18. Such coolingpathways may include, additionally or alternatively, closed looppathways 17 located entirely within the VMDU 10 for circulating gas 23.In exemplary embodiments, the closed loop pathways 17 may encircle theelectronic display(s) 18 by passing through a gap between thetransparent cover panel and the electronic display 18 of a given sideassembly 22. Further, various components may be positioned within eitherone of the closed loop and the open loop pathways 17, 19. For example,one or more electronic components for operating the VMDU 10 may beprovided within or along the closed loop pathways 17. One or more fansmay be provided within or along the open loop pathways 19 to forceambient air therethrough. One or more fans 27 may be provided within oralong the closed loop pathways 17 to force circulating gas therethrough.A heat exchanger 25 may be provided, preferably behind the electronicdisplay(s) 18, to permit heat transfer between the relatively warmcirculating gas 23 in the closed loop pathways 17 and the relativelycool ambient air 21 in the open loop pathways 19.

FIG. 10 provides a flowchart with exemplary logic for operating the VMDU10 and related components. The controller 42 may determine the amount ofpower needed to operate the VMDU 10. This determination may be made, atleast in part, based on readings from the sensors 11, operational datafrom the VMDU 10, historical information, predictions, some combinationthereof, or the like. During sufficiently sunny conditions, thecontroller 42 may be configured to direct power collected from the solarenergy harvesting device 24 to the VMDU 10. If excess energy iscollected, the controller 42 may be configured to direct such excesspower to the one or more energy storage devices 38. If insufficientenergy is provided from the solar energy harvesting device 24, such asduring nighttime or cloudy conditions, the controller 42 may beconfigured to direct energy from the one or more energy storage devices38 and/or the energy sources 40 to VMDU 10. In this way, the VMDU 10 maybe periodically, or continuously, powered by the solar energy harvestingdevice 24. For certain vehicles 12, this may result in improved gasmileage, though such is not required.

The controller 42 may be configured to monitor electrical draw from theVMDU 10. The controller 42 may, alternatively or additionally, beconfigured to monitor electrical production from the solar energyharvesting device 24. Electrical draw and production may be monitored inthe form of one or more of the following: current, wattage, voltage,some combination thereof, or the like. The controller 42 may,alternatively or additionally, be configured to monitor one or more ofthe following: ambient lighting conditions (by way of one or moreambient light sensors 11), forecasted weather conditions (by way ofnetwork accessible weather data accessed by way of a networkconnectivity device 15), current or forecasted electrical billing rates(by way of network accessible rate data accessed by way of a networkconnectivity device 15), user preferences (received by way of thenetwork connectivity device 15), some combination thereof, or the like.In utilizing such information, the controller 42 may be configured todetermine which energy source(s) 40 to draw from.

In exemplary embodiments, the electrical systems may be entirely directcurrent (“DC”). For example, without limitation, the VMDU 10, the solarenergy harvesting devices 24, the energy storage devices 38, the energysources 40, the controller 42, some combination thereof, or the like maybe configured to operate solely using DC power. The components and powerutilized herein may, in exemplary embodiments without limitation,exclusively utilize direct current power such that no AC-DC or DC-ACinverters or the like are required.

FIG. 11 provides a flowchart with exemplary logic for operating the VMDU10 and related components. The controller 42 may determine the amount ofpower required to operate the VMDU 10. This determination may be made,at least in part, based on readings from the sensors 11, operationaldata from the VMDU 10, historical information, predictions, somecombination thereof, or the like. During sufficiently sunny conditions,the controller 42 may be configured to direct power collected from thesolar energy harvesting device 24 to the VMDU 10. Where sufficientenergy is collected, the controller 42 may be configured to power theVMDU 10 only with energy generated by the one or more solar energyharvesting devices 24. Where the power generated by the one or moresolar energy harvesting devices 24 is insufficient to power the VMDU 10,the controller 42 may be configured to supplement the power supplied bythe one or more solar energy harvesting devices 24 with power from theone or more energy storage devices 38. In this way, power may be drawnfrom the energy storage devices 38 and/or energy sources 40. Power maybe drawn from the energy storage devices 38 and/or energy sources 40only when needed, and only as much as needed to supplement the powergenerated by the one or more solar energy harvesting devices 24 to meetthe power requirements of the VMDU 10. In this way, the burden on theenergy storage devices 38 and/or energy sources 40 may be reduced oreliminated. Furthermore, the VMDU 10 may be periodically, continuously,partially, or wholly powered by the solar energy harvesting device 24.For certain vehicles 12, this may result in improved gas mileage, amongother benefits, though such is not required. This may also reduceenvironmental impact of the VMDU 10.

The controller 42 may be configured to monitor electrical draw and/orneeds for the VMDU 10. The controller 42 may, alternatively oradditionally, be configured to monitor electrical production from thesolar energy harvesting device 24. Electrical draw, needs, and/orproduction may be monitored by measuring one or more of the following:current, wattage, voltage, some combination thereof, or the like. Thecontroller 42 may, alternatively or additionally, be configured tomonitor one or more of the following: ambient lighting conditions (byway of one or more ambient light sensors 11), forecasted weatherconditions (by way of network accessible weather data accessed by way ofa network connectivity device 15), current or forecasted electricalbilling rates (by way of network accessible rate data accessed by way ofa network connectivity device 15), user preferences (received by way ofthe network connectivity device 15), some combination thereof, or thelike. The controller 42 may be configured to utilize such information todetermine which energy source(s) 40 to utilize.

Operations of the VMDU 10 may be adjusted to raise or lower powerrequirements of the VMDU 10. For example, without limitation, where thepower required for VMDU 10 operations is less than the power generatedby the solar energy harvesting device 24, certain operations may beadjusted such as, but not limited to, increasing backlight levels toimprove image quality. As another example, without limitation, where thepower required for VMDU 10 operations is greater than the powergenerated by the solar energy harvesting device 24 by a predeterminedamount, certain operations may be adjusted, such as, but not limited to,by decreasing backlight levels such that the solar energy harvestingdevice 24 may fully or more completely power the VMDU 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the electrical systems may be entirely directcurrent (“DC”). For example, without limitation, the VMDU 10, the solarenergy harvesting devices 24, the energy storage devices 38, the energysources 40, the controller 42, some combination thereof, or the like maybe configured to operate using DC power. The components and powerutilized herein may, in exemplary embodiments without limitation,exclusively utilize direct current power such that no AC-DC or DC-ACinverters or the like are required.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the featuresof the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplaryembodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or tounnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplaryembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practicethe invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, those skilled in the art will realize that manyvariations and modifications may be made to the described invention.Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same resultand fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is theintention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by thescope of the claims.

Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or moreelectronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or moreprocessors, electronic storage devices, executable softwareinstructions, and the like configured to perform the operationsdescribed herein. The electronic devices may be general purposecomputers or specialized computing devices. The electronic devices maybe personal computers, smartphones, tablets, databases, servers, or thelike. The electronic connections described herein may be accomplished bywired or wireless means.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing solar-generated power to adisplay unit mounted to a vehicle, said system comprising: an electronicdisplay; a housing for said electronic display; one or more mountingsupports for connecting said housing to said vehicle; and a solar energyharvesting device configured for connection to an upper portion of thevehicle and electrical connection to said electronic display.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein: said one or more mounting supports areconfigured to secure said electronic display to a rear portion of saidvehicle.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein: said one or more mountingsupports are configured to secure said electronic display along a rearportion of said vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein: said one ormore mounting supports are configured to suspend said housing away fromthe rear portion of said vehicle.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein: saidone or more mounting supports are configured to secure said electronicdisplay along a side portion of said vehicle.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein: said one or more mounting supports are configured to securesaid electronic display to a side portion of said vehicle.
 7. The systemof claim 1 further comprising: one or more cross bars for securing saidsolar energy harvesting device to said upper portion of said vehicle,wherein said one or more mounting supports are configured to elevatesaid solar energy harvesting device above said housing.
 8. The system ofclaim 7 wherein: said solar energy harvesting device has a firstfootprint which is larger than a second footprint of said housing. 9.The system of claim 1 further comprising: an energy storage deviceelectrically interposed between said electronic display and said solarenergy harvesting device; and a controller electrically interposedbetween said energy storage device, said electronic display, and saidsolar energy harvesting device.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein: saidenergy storage device comprises a vehicle battery; and said vehiclecomprises an electric propulsion system or an internal combustionengine.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein: said solar energy harvestingdevice is configured to provide direct current (“DC”) power; and saidelectronic display is configured to operate using DC power.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1 further comprising: an open loop pathway for ambientair within said housing.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein: saidelectronic display comprises a layer of liquid crystals and a backlight;and said open loop pathway extends along at least a portion of saidbacklight.
 14. The system of claim 12 further comprising: a closed looppathway for circulating gas extending within said housing.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14 further comprising: a heat exchanger, wherein saidopen loop pathway comprises a first portion of said heat exchanger, andwherein said closed loop pathway comprises a second portion of said heatexchanger; and a fan placed within said closed loop pathway, whereinsaid fan is electrically connected to said solar energy harvestingdevice.
 16. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a secondelectronic display located within the housing such that said electronicdisplay and said second electronic display face in different directions.17. A system for providing solar-generated power to a display unitmounted to a vehicle, said system comprising: an electronic displayconfigured to display images; a housing for said electronic display; oneor more mounting supports for connecting said housing to said vehiclesuch that said electronic display extends along a rear portion of saidvehicle and faces rearward for viewing by occupants of other vehicleslocated behind the vehicle; and a solar energy harvesting device formounting to a roof of the vehicle and configured for electricalconnection to said electronic display to provide said solar-generatedpower to said electronic display.
 18. The system of claim 17 furthercomprising: a controller electrically interposed between said solarenergy harvesting device, an alternative power source, and saidelectronic display, wherein said controller is configured to regulate anamount of power supplied to said electronic display by said solar energyharvesting device and said alternative power source.
 19. A system forproviding solar-generated power to a display unit mounted to a vehicle,said system comprising: said display unit comprising: an electronicdisplay for displaying images; a housing for said electronic display,wherein said electronic display comprises a backlight and a layer ofliquid crystals; one or more fans located within said housing forcooling at least said backlight of said electronic display whenoperated; one or more mounting supports connecting said display unit tosaid vehicle such that said display unit extends along a portion of saidvehicle and said electronic display faces outward so that said imagesdisplayed at said electronic display are viewable exterior to thevehicle; and a solar energy harvesting device mounted to the vehicle andelectrically connected to at least said electronic display and said oneor more fans of said display unit for providing said solar-generatedpower to at least said electronic display and said one or more fans onat least an occasional basis.
 20. The system of claim 19 furthercomprising: an alternative power source; and a controller electricallyinterposed between said solar energy harvesting device, said alternativepower source, and at least said electronic display and said one or morefans for regulating an amount and time for which said solar-generatedpower is supplied from said solar energy harvesting device to at leastsaid electronic display and said one or more fans and an amount and timefor which power is supplied by said alternative power source.